5 Ingredient Marinated Grilled Salmon

Published May 9, 2018. Updated April 24, 2020

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Are you ready for the easiest recipe of your life? Okay, maybe not as easy as a grilled cheese but it’s close! This Grilled Salmon is one of the best salmon recipes I’ve tried and it only takes FIVE ingredients (4 of which you probably always have on hand, then just grab some salmon).

Also it takes minimal prep and there’s minimal clean up. I also love that you don’t have to skin the salmon first which saves time, it peels right off after grilling.

three grilled salmon fillets on white platter

Why I Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe

This is a recipe that comes from Ina Garten. I saw it on Food Network a few years ago and finally got around to making it today.

The recipe had 752 reviews and it came in at 4.8 stars and for good reason, this grilled salmon fillet is unbelievably delicious! It’s amazing what 5 ingredients and 5 minutes prep can do.

It has a well rounded flavor, it had just the right amount of saltiness and depth (from the soy sauce-based salmon marinade), and it had just enough tang and spice from the vinegar and mustard seed (in the mustard).

The only thing I changed was to take the olive oil down 2 tsp to 1/3 cup because it’s easier to measure vs. 6 Tbsp. Then I upped the garlic three times the original amount because I love garlic.

Don’t do what I did and wait years to make this recipe. It’s is one of those recipes that you’ll use time and time again and it’s easy enough to memorize. Aaaaand most importantly everyone loves it!

My brother doesn’t even like salmon and he took one bite then asked for the rest of it! My kids loved it too. Win win.

ingredients for grilled salmon marinade on countertop

Grilled Salmon Ingredients

To make the grilled salmon marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Side of salmon
  • Soy sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

How to Grill Salmon

Cooking salmon on the grill is incredibly simple and the entire process takes less than 30 minutes. If you’re unsure how to cook salmon on the grill, I’ve shared the basic steps (accompanied by photos) below.

First you’ll cut that side of salmon into individual fillets. Then transfer to a dish.

slicing salmon for grilled salmon

Then prep the marinade by mixing together soy sauce, dijon, garlic and olive oil until it fully comes together.

making a grilled salmon marinade

Set aside a few tablespoons of the salmon marinade, then spoon (or pour) and spread remaining marinade over salmon and spread even. Let rest 10 minute or refrigerate up to 1 hour in marinade. Preheat grill.

spooning marinade over salmon for grilled salmon

Grill the salmon to your desired doneness. Serve warm with remaining salmon marinade over top, garnish with parsley if desired.

cooking salmon on the grill

How Long to Grill Salmon

You’ll want to grill salmon for about 4 minutes per side. The exact salmon grill time will vary depending on how thick your salmon fillets are, how done you prefer your salmon, etc.

Can You Eat Salmon Skin?

Yes! I love grilled salmon skin. It’s super crispy and packed with flavor.

grilled salmon fillet on white plate with grilled vegetables

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Salmon

More Salmon Recipes to Try

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Easy Grilled Salmon Recipe
4.81 from 21 votes

5 Ingredient Marinated Grilled Salmon

This grilled salmon is one of the best salmon recipes I've tried and it only takes FIVE ingredients. Bonus: there's minimal prep and minimal clean up.
Servings: 6
Prep5 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Marinating10 minutes
Ready in: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lay salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut salmon crosswise into 6 equal portions, transfer to a 13 by 9-inch baking dish skin side down.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mustard, garlic and olive oil until mixture is emulsified (fully comes together).
  • Set aside about 2 Tbsp of the marinade mixture then spoon and spread remaining mixture over salmon, let rest at room temperature 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile preheat grill over medium-high heat to about 400 degrees F. Clean grill grates and brush with oil.
  • Place salmon on grill skin side down and cook about 4 minutes, then carefully flip (I sort of roll it) and continue to cook another 4 minutes or to desired doneness.
  • Remove skin from salmon then plate and brush remaining 2 Tbsp marinade mixture over salmon.
  • Serve warm garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
5 Ingredient Marinated Grilled Salmon
Amount Per Serving
Calories 437 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 124mg41%
Sodium 659mg29%
Potassium 1137mg32%
Protein 45g90%
Vitamin A 90IU2%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 2.2mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.